Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32) (Indefinite)

Army National Guard Units • Richmond, VA

3d

About The Position

This is a National Guard Title 32 excepted service position in the VA Recruiting Retention Command, National Guard. The Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-9, develops and distributes news releases and feature articles about Guard-sponsored activities, events, and ceremonies to local and national media. The specialist responds to information requests from Guard members, associations, external audiences, and special interest groups, assessing whether requested information is sensitive or controversial and coordinating sensitive releases with a senior Public Affairs Specialist.

The position evaluates local media coverage and communication campaigns concerning National Guard activities, identifies potential public relations issues, analyzes public reaction, and recommends improvements to the Public Affairs Officer. The specialist prepares media materials for print and other formats, incorporating photographs or film footage to enhance communication. The role also involves consulting program specialists for current information, creating semi-technical materials to educate specific audiences about National Guard programs and policies, and building working relationships with government personnel, community groups, and other stakeholders.

This is an indefinite appointment. The selectee must be a member of, or eligible for immediate membership in, the Virginia Army National Guard in a compatible military assignment and grade. The selectee is required to wear the military uniform. Indefinite appointments may be made permanent later without further competition, and the appointment may be ended with 30 days’ notice.

Requirements

• National Guard membership is required, with membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state required before the effective date of placement.
• Applicants must be eligible for immediate membership in the Virginia Army National Guard if not already a member.
• Must be an enlisted member in grades E4/SPC through E6/SSG, subject to the listed applicant groups and eligibility criteria.
• At least 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-07, including knowledge of writing and communication principles and techniques related to agency public affairs; applying and adapting knowledge in strictly controlled agency situations; responding appropriately to information requests about agency programs and services; and participating in meetings with specialized groups to understand feedback on agency programs.
• General experience or training demonstrating knowledge of collecting, assembling, preparing, and disseminating information about activities.
• Must provide exact employment dates and hours worked per week in the resume; resumes are limited to two pages.
• Must wear the military uniform as a condition of employment.
• Federal employment suitability is subject to a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Applicants qualifying through education must provide transcripts or other documentation. The qualifying education is a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.

Responsibilities

• Develop news releases and feature articles about Guard-sponsored activities, events, and ceremonies, and distribute them to local and national print and broadcast media.
• Respond orally and in writing to information requests from Guard members, member associations, external audiences, and special interest groups.
• Assess the sensitivity or controversial nature of requested information and coordinate its release with a senior Public Affairs Specialist when appropriate.
• Evaluate local media programming about National Guard events, activities, or communication campaigns and identify potential public relations issues.
• Advise management about potential causes of public relations issues and recommend ways to resolve them.
• Gather and analyze public reaction to communication campaigns, draw conclusions, and recommend improvements to the Public Affairs Officer.
• Prepare and disseminate media releases and feature articles, selecting and incorporating photographs, film footage, or other visuals as appropriate.
• Consult program specialists to obtain current information for news releases, radio spots, print articles, meetings, and electronic broadcasts.
• Develop semi-technical written materials to educate specific audiences about National Guard programs, policies, and practices.
• Develop working relationships with state and local government personnel, community and special interest groups, and individuals interested in state-level National Guard policy, practices, or programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level